2019 L'Hêtre Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

2019 L'Hêtre Castillon is a refined, organically farmed Bordeaux that captures the limestone elegance of the Côtes de Castillon plateau at an outstanding price-to-quality ratio. Crafted under the guidance of the Thienpont family—famed for the legendary Le Pin—this cuvée offers a modern, precise expression of Merlot and Cabernet Franc from one of the highest points in Bordeaux. Combining altitude, cool breezes and meticulous cellar work, it delivers a wine that is both approachable now and serious enough for the cellar.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, 2019 L'Hêtre shows a deep, dark purple core with vibrant, inky reflections, hinting at concentration and youth. The nose is fresh and inviting, with sweet notes of ripe autumn fruit—think black plum, black cherry and mulberry—interwoven with hints of wild berries, violets, subtle baking spice and a touch of graphite and cocoa from its time in oak. On the palate, the wine is firm yet generous, with a juicy attack and a richly textured mid-palate. Ripe, polished tannins frame flavors of black plum, damson and dark cherry, layered with nuances of licorice, clove, tobacco leaf and a lifted, stony minerality from the limestone soils. The structure is round and silk-smooth, yet supported by a lively acidity that keeps everything fresh and slightly spicy through the finish. Enjoyable now with a short decant for aeration, it has the balance and tannic backbone to evolve gracefully for 8–12 years in a good cellar, gaining complexity and tertiary notes of truffle, leather and dried flowers over time.

Production
The vineyards of L'Hêtre are located on the Saint Philippe d’Aiguilhe plateau in Castillon, at around 100 meters above sea level—the highest point in the Bordeaux region. Here, 20-year-old vines of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc are rooted in a mosaic of pure limestone, clay-limestone and limestone slopes, benefiting from a southeast exposure and a constant gentle breeze that helps maintain healthy, evenly ripened fruit. Farmed organically and certified by Ecocert, the estate relies on careful vineyard work and controlled yields to achieve depth and purity. Grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, parcel by parcel, then vinified in a combination of concrete and oak vats to preserve fruit definition and terroir character. The wine is subsequently aged for about 15 months in French oak barrels, using a balanced regimen of one-third new, one-third one-year-old and one-third two-year-old barrels, bringing finesse and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Food & Serving
2019 L'Hêtre is an excellent partner for classic Bordeaux-friendly dishes such as roast lamb with herbs, grilled or pan-seared duck breast, beef ribeye, or slow-braised short ribs. It also shines with hearty casseroles, mushroom-based dishes, truffled poultry, roasted root vegetables and aged hard cheeses like Comté or Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and silky texture. Decanting for 45–60 minutes before serving will help soften the tannins and open up the full spectrum of fruit, spice and mineral notes, especially in its youth.

Producer
L'Hêtre is a relatively new name in Bordeaux, yet it comes with a formidable pedigree. The property, formerly known as Château Goubau, was transformed into an organic estate by the Belgian couple Stéphane and Béatrice Goubau before being acquired by Jacques Thienpont and his sister Anne De Raeymaeker—members of the renowned Thienpont family behind the cult Pomerol estate Le Pin and other top châteaux. Following the purchase, the family expanded the holdings by acquiring the neighboring Château Montagne, and entrusted the day-to-day running of L'Hêtre to their cousin, Maxime Thienpont, who grew up at Château Labégorce Zédé in Margaux. Renamed after the beech tree (“hêtre” in French), in line with Jacques Thienpont’s tree-themed properties, the estate is quickly establishing itself as a leading organic reference in Castillon, known for its limestone-driven, finely crafted wines that deliver serious Bordeaux character at a remarkably fair price. The labels, designed by Belgian artist Anne Van Hereweghen, add a distinctive artistic touch to the estate’s identity.